In an article, Kep1er Sakamoto Mashiro and Ezaki Hikaru, both Japanese, revealed how they overcame the strict Korean training system and successfully debuted as K-pop idols.
On January 26, the Korean media outlet Maeil Economic Daily highlighted the Hallyu craze around the world and the foreign idols who conquered the K-pop industry.
In this report, the Kep1er members' stories of how they became idols despite being Japanese were narrated.
Kep1er Sakamoto Mashiro Reveals Miss A, 'Dream High' Her Reasons She Decided To Become Idol
Mashiro, one of the leaders of Kep1er, debuted on Jan. 3 through "FIRST IMPACT" under WAKEONE and Swing Entertainment. Prior to her official debut, the idol initially drew popularity as a JYP trainee, who almost debuted in ITZY.
The Japanese idol then revealed how she began dreaming of becoming an idol, telling the media outlet, "I've begun dreaming of becoming an idol after watching the Korean drama 'Dream High' in elementary school."
The appearance of art high school students dreaming of becoming stars in the drama and learning dance and singing was a fantasy in her eyes. As a result, the "WA DA DA" singer showed interest in Miss A, the group where Bae Suzy belonged then.
ALSO READ: From Mashiro Being A Former JYP Trainee to Bahiyyih's MAMA 2020 Narration, Kep1er Members Share TMI on 'Idol Live School'
With these inspirations, the aspiring idol decided to go to Korea in 2016 when she turned 16 and joined JYP Entertainment as a trainee. Mashiro is one of the first foreigners to participate in an audition held in Korea and become a trainee.
"I thought they would like me to audition in Korea more than participating in a global audition in Japan. I wanted to show them that I'm doing it sincerely," Mashiro added.
Ezaki Hikaru Shares How She Trained To Become A K-pop Star
Due to Mashiro and other foreign idols in the music scene, Kep1er Ezaki Hikaru decided to fly to Korea in 2021 following an audition program. During her training in Japan, she drew in her head that a K-pop idol shows great dance and songs.
"I practiced in Korean style in Japan, too. I was in a project team aiming to debut in Korea. Like Korean trainees, I focused on staying together and learning the basics of dancing and singing," Ezaki revealed, which explained her K-pop idol-like performance when she joined Mnet's reality show, "Girls Planet 999."
Meanwhile, in October 2021, both were selected to join the final nine and successfully achieved their dream to debut as K-pop idols through Kep1er.
The two concluded, "We want to be an idol who can show various charms and great performances like Girls' Generation seniors. Our dream is to become Kep1er who's loved around the world and hold concerts around the world."
READ MORE: Kep1er's 'FIRST IMPACT' Awarded Silver Certification Plaque by Hanteo Chart for Highest First Week Sales
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Written by Eunice Dawson
